Taiwan candidate proposes peak-hour bus subsidies to ease Keelung commute

A candidate for mayor of Keelung, Taiwan, has put forward proposals to alleviate the daily commute for residents traveling between the city and the greater Taipei area. The candidate, who is running under the Democratic Progressive Party, met with the Director-General of the Directorate General of Highways to discuss potential solutions.

The core issue highlighted is the chronic shortage of seats on commuter buses during peak morning and evening travel times. This often leaves many residents unable to board buses that are already full. The candidate emphasized that national highway buses are a critical mode of transport for Keelung commuters.

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If the local government is willing to purchase peak-hour services through subsidies or procurement, it will make operators more willing to dispatch more vehicles and allow commuting passengers to get on the bus.

To address this, the candidate proposed a "peak support project." This initiative would involve the Keelung city government actively collaborating with bus operators. Through service procurement or subsidies, the city would aim to increase the number of bus trips and services specifically during rush hours. The goal is to ensure commuters can reliably get a seat on their desired bus.

The Director-General of Highways acknowledged the challenges faced by bus operators, noting that demand fluctuates significantly between peak and off-peak hours. He stated that local governments willing to offer subsidies or procurement for peak-hour services could indeed incentivize operators to deploy more buses. He praised the candidate's proactive approach as creative and commendable, suggesting it could help bridge the demand gap and improve commuter satisfaction.

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My goal is to allow Keelung residents to leave home more punctually and with peace of mind every day, and to return to Keelung more smoothly.